Father,
I have in the past wore a chapel veil to Mass. My purpose in doing this was to give complete focus, respect and attention to God. I have stopped wearing a veil because I feel like in doing so I am calling attention to myself. There are so few of us women who wear veils that I think it has become a distraction. This was not my intention. Can you give advice as to the purpose of wearing a veil and if it is still the correct think to do?
I have in the past wore a chapel veil to Mass. My purpose in doing this was to give complete focus, respect and attention to God. I have stopped wearing a veil because I feel like in doing so I am calling attention to myself. There are so few of us women who wear veils that I think it has become a distraction. This was not my intention. Can you give advice as to the purpose of wearing a veil and if it is still the correct think to do?
Thank you,
Joni
Joni,
According to canon 1262.2 of the 1917 Code of Canon Law women were required to cover their heads when assisting at sacred ceremonies and when approaching the table of the Lord. They were also required to dress modestly. These norms had their origins in St. Paul. However, this canon was left out of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. While the covering of one's head is no longer required modest dress is consistent with the Christian ethic of living and should be practiced always but especially in the context of Mass. Because the 1917 Code was in force before the reform of the Liturgy after Vatican II the old form of Mass, what we now officially call the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, is often associated with women wearing veils. This is why many women who attend the older form of Mass wear a veil even though it is no longer required. In addition, for some who are very faithful to the Church and devoted to an authentic understanding of the liturgy the practice is not uncommon to wear veils as a connection to the liturgical tradition of the Church and a sign of modesty and devotion. While I understand your perception that the wearing of a veil may cause you to "stick out," even though that is not your intent, you really have no reason to be concerned with that. You should no more be concerned with what people think than if you choose to kneel to receive communion. Both are permitted. In addition, many persons dress very immodestly at Mass and they are far less concerned about that than those who wear veils. Unfortunately, this shows that that we tolerate or think nothing of something that shows disrespect for the human body and the gift of sexuality while at the same time being more concerned for something rooted in the tradition of the Church and a sign of someone's devotion. Nevertheless, if you cannot get past the feeling that you are "sticking out" to such an extent that it hinders a normative interior spiritual participation in the Mass then I would suggest that you don't wear a veil. After all you do not have to wear one. On the other hand there is nothing wrong with wearing a veil and the tradition of the Church as rooted in St. Paul is behind you. The choice is up to you and you should have no qualms if you choose to do so.
Fr. Pisut
